Articles

TOP2009

2009-12-31T15:34:00.002-05:00

LEBOCHI

2009-12-19T02:48:00.003-05:00

For more LEBOCHI visit the site HERE
or follow LEBOCHI on twitter

Pandering&TheGolddiggers

2009-12-18T18:14:00.000-05:00

theEVOLtruth

2009-12-18T04:32:00.005-05:00

Dissected Virgility1

2009-12-18T02:39:00.001-05:00

Dissected Virgility

2009-12-18T02:33:00.000-05:00

DISSECTED VIRGILITY
TXT.MONROE LONDON
ART.CHARLES CHAMBERS

CALL ME CRAZY, AND HOPEFULLY IM NOT THE ONLY THAT DOES
THIS, BUT DOES THIS EVER HAPPEN TO YOU. YOU'RE DRIVING
DOWN THE ROAD AND NOTHING IS ON THE RADIO. YOU BEGIN
FLIPPING BACK AND FORTH THROUGH YOUR 6 FAVORITED
STATIONS AND EVERYONE STATION JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE ON
A COMMERCIAL BREAK. SO YOU DECIDE TO PRESS 'SCAN,' SINCE
YOUR PATIENCE WON'T ALLOW YOU TO WAIT THROUGH THE ALL
COMMERCIAL BREAKS.

The scanning begins--
Zipping from station to station: Jazz, Musica de Espanol, News,
Country.
...and then you hit the Symphony/Orchestra station.
For some reason your finger goes for the 'scan' button again. You turn
the volume up ever so slightly, as if you're trying to be bashful in
front of the car that's approaching you on the right hand side. Then,
you're just like F*@% it, and you turn the volume up as loud as it
goes. For those brief minutes of your life your revert to this little
child conducting the London symphony that is rushing through your
speakers. The strings and plucking go straight to your soul and
the carefree person that takes over you is headbobbing, hand waving,
finger twiddling-- ALL WHILE DRIVING I REMIND YOU.

That's the sort of imagination I get from Charles Chambers; carefree.
Alabama native and no stranger to art, Chambers has been painting
for 15 yrs. Utilizing charcoal techinques and watercolor methods to
blend out segments of the most fragile being, the woman. Dissecting
her figure, glorifying the uniqueness and beauty of 'her.'

Jesse Boykins III

2009-12-17T23:12:00.004-05:00

EYE-Definition

2009-12-17T06:35:00.001-05:00

London's Bridge is Falling Down

2009-12-14T21:27:00.004-05:00

London--coffee break

2009-12-14T15:22:00.005-05:00

Location: Starbucks, Little Five Points.
Time: 8:23pm

Typing behind the computer screen, the Foreign Exchange in rotation and an occasional daydream out the window, I look into the streets for some sort of amusement as my mind breaks from the work I have in front of me.

Question Existing: Long distance, is it fair for you to say its killing you? Brandy played up the scenario in her recent album, 'Human' where she expressed the pains of being in a long distance relationship. Like everything in life, there's more than one side to a story.

We always ask for the perfect romance or opt for that timeless and oh-so-tired excuse that "there's no one out there for me." Honestly, give me a break. We all want love to be this easy find, this magical tale that should be documented for a Disney playwright. Negative. It's not going to be that easy all the time, unless you fancy the idea of the old lady and her 40cats. So I recently decided to try it out, and yes that is a major step. You have to borderline fight for your love, not necessarily in competition with others, but more so a battle with yourself to simply be able to exhibit and learn a sense of trust, and self-control.

Of course, there's the circle friends, ladies you've got "your girls," and as cliche and stereotypical as it sounds, when times get hard they're the ones standing in as the leading actresses in this winter's feature film, 'The Devil's Advocate.' As happy as they might seem about you being in a relationship, why are they the last ones to help you fight temptations? Although, you can't hold the homies accountable , a little support goes a long way when you need it.

"Man, I don't see how you do it. That couldn't be me."

And you're absolutely right, this couldn't be you. For a good/strong relationship you have to make sacrifices to make it work. Particularly, when you're not located under the same roof, let alone different city limits.

I suppose the lingering question that seemingly will go unanswered for awhile is "when's the next time you're going to see each other?" Don't count it as a bad thing if you can't answer the question--. Trust me, you're not the only one, but just know that the same feeling that this "long distance" is giving you, more thank likely is affecting her/him the same way. The physical is quite an important aspect in a relationship, and I think we ALL can agree on that, but just do not forget the power of mental stimulation.

Hell, and if that doesn't work TECHNOLOGY is man's best friend...
Between video chat, skype, picmail, etc. There are many remedies that can ease that tension. But hey, there is no specific guidelines on how to make it work. You just have to LET it work...

-London

[INDIE]n

2009-12-12T06:17:00.001-05:00

LOOKBOOK.

2009-12-11T01:56:00.001-05:00

truthsoldSEPARATELY

2009-12-10T17:11:00.001-05:00

Love OVERFLOW

2009-12-10T08:54:00.002-05:00

Walk Before You Crawl

2009-12-10T07:11:00.003-05:00

tyren redd photography

2009-12-02T15:10:00.006-05:00

JAIMZ DEEN UPDATE

2009-11-25T04:56:00.018-05:00

Gas-D

2009-08-01T19:34:00.012-04:00

GAS-D

Finally available for purchase online at Gas-D.com as of 8.O1.O9 Simplicity is key. A clothing line that promotes a state of being: LOVE or as they describe it, ▲❍▼❏. Although love might be hard to comprehend or decipher into words, Gas-D has produced a timeless concept that reminds those who have forgotten that "LOVE IS REAL," a message that is powerful and uplifting. As love has no boundaries and infinitely transpires, Gas-D continues to feel us up with inspiration and style.

"We believe that there is a universal love in all humanity, that is stronger than the ingonorance and hate that seems to breed in areas of our world."
-GAS-D

Although recently debuting, Gas-d has been no stranger to design and translating love through pictures and fabrics. We first saw Gas-D a almost two years ago, and the journey to now has developed and thematically become a beautiful project in bloom. This is not a beginning, but merely a continuation of ▲❍▼❏.
PM supports Gas-D!

Your almost on E, take a trip to the Gas-D Station.

MOUSE--theupdate

2009-07-31T17:03:00.008-04:00

PM's relationship to this artist runs deep. Mouse aka the Waldorf Posterboy,
the first artist reviewed,interviewed,publicized about,etc. on Phresh Mentality back
in 2007 when we were trapped to the online confinement of myspace. So it has been
long overdue that we do a brief update on what has been going on with him. Now with
two mixtapes under his belt, and a following of listeners that enjoy his music for
the CONTENT, he has been in the studio this summer compiling his third mixtape,
grinding out original productions.

"I HAD THE CHANCE TO WORK WITH SOME HIGHLY TALENTED PRODUCERS, NAMES SUCH AS
LCD, SOULFUL, BREY QUICK, BAD ABBOT, THELONIOUS DRE, & MORE!!! I HAD THE CHANCE TO
WORK WITH SOME HIGHLY TALENTED DMV ARTISTS, NAMES SUCH AS ICE THE VILLAIN, mC, B.P.
COOPER, HASSANI KWESS, & MORE. DISC 2 WILL BE RELEASED ON THE SAME DAY AS A TOKEN OF
MY APPRECIATION."

We shall keep you posted on Mouse's album drop expected to release mid-August. In
the meantime, here's download of the first track off his album entitled 'Grey.'
Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD:
Mouse aka The Waldorf Posterboy - Grey

Vinyl: Never Goes Out of Style

2009-07-26T16:30:00.005-04:00

Here's a mini compilation from the PM Vault.
A snippet of classic records from Big Daddy Kane
to the 9thWonder. Music like art, is not limited to
the convenience of the ipod. Let the record spin.

Fat Tony Interview

2009-07-24T07:11:00.039-04:00

After a long day of working, London and Fat Tony
were able to exchange words about his career and key to his artistry.

Phresh Mentality: Where are from and how long have u lived there?

Fat Tony: I'm from Third Ward, one of the oldest and predominately black neighborhoods in Houston, Texas. Lived here all my life, only changed houses twice. Best hood in the H if you ask me or anyone with sense.

Phresh Mentality: How has living there affected you as an artist from your writing to your opportunities?

Fat Tony: Totally influenced me. This neighborhood has a big connection to Houston's art and its contributors. The museum district of the city is located here in the tré (3rd Ward) as well as a bunch of art venues like Project Rowhouse and Midtown Art Center. I've recorded a mixtape at the Midtown Art Center and spent a bunch of time connecting with artists in this area - my age & older.
Plus my whole fam is from here. My mom's dad had his doctor's office around the corner from the hospital she was born at. He graduated from the same school I did. My mom went there too. Third Ward runs deep. Plus we've put out some of the best Houston artists like BIG MOE (RIP).

PM: So this area is full of family and relationships for you.

"I can say this over & over but the real test lies in what you and other tastemakers and the fans think... "
-Fat Tony

FT: Totally. No matter where I live in this world I can never forget or let down my hood.

PM: You’re nothing short of a role model. I definitely commend you for that. But yes, how did u come up with the name Fat Tony?

FT: When I started rapping in middle school I put out a bunch of names like A.O.—which stood for my initials. Even silly shit like O-Murder and Hamster Cunt [chuckles], Fat Tony was just the one that stuck. Over the years I expanded it into Fat Tony Obidiyah Geofferey Jones.

PM: A man of many names I must say, a mouthful indeed, but at least one finally stuck.

FT: Hell yeah. I love aliases. I admire dudes like Pimp C and David Bowie for that.

PM: Indeed. A persona that you create and go wild with.

FT: Yes dude. What's this artistry shit for if you can have fun and be creative? I'm into appealing to your imagination.

PM: Exactly. Imagination is where the individuality lies. It’s beautiful.
You mentioned that you've been rapping since you were in middle school, what triggered this in you at such a young age?

FT: I loved music. Got into pop music as a wee boy thanks to my parents and grandmama's record collections. Lots of Michael Jackson, Beatles, Bob Marley, Whodini... every pop genre spread throughout the house. Started getting into punk rock in middle school and that showed me anybody can pick up this shit and make something beautiful.

PM: With this ever rising population in the indie community with rappers and other artist, what’s your motivation to stay with it?

FT: I think there's still a void for originality and boldness. I'm the one to fill that. I dare to do whatever I please long as its jammin’ while many (even the "indie") want to hop trends and bite styles.
Above all I love music and always will do this. I know I'll always have a fan base that rides with me cause people can't be bullshitted all the time. They know good music when it hits them.

PM: True. How does it make you feel when you see other artist bopping trends and not remaining true to the art of music, but still make it through the cracks?

FT: Makes me feel shitty-- only as a fan, not as an artist. I'll have my comments but I support anyone making a living from doing music because this isn’t easy. But it disappoints me as a fan of good ass rap music; makes me feel more assured in doing me.

PM: You are currently an unsigned artist, are you seeking to sign with any major label or are going to continue to be an independent artist?

FT: I want a deal!!!
I'd go towards a major if the deal was worthwhile but realistically I'd rather get with a good indie that knows what they're doing, has a good history, and has their shit together.
I can say this over & over but the real test lies in what you and other tastemakers and the fans think... but this next album I'm releasing titled RABDARGAB is incredible. Production like you've never heard before and throwed rhyming galore. Complete songs, hooks, no mixtape-ish b.s.
Its just me and one producer goin' in for the win. Its the longest record I've worked on so far and I believe in it.

PM: How many tracks can we expect and can we get a break down on the title?

FT: Between 12 & 14. Its getting mixed and arranged next month.

PM: What does the title of your album mean?

FT: RABDARGAB stood for "Read a book. Do a report. Get a buck." back in my day. It was a way for the public school system to con little kids into reading more cause all we cared about was Sega genesis and Tiny Toons. I wanted to rep for my Houston roots with that album title.

PM: I see. Nice. I learn something new everyday. That's a good message.

FT: I updated it a little bit with a new slogan "roll a blunt. Drink a red stripe. Get a b*tch." I think that'll go over a little better with today's youngsters.

[Laughs]

PM: What can I say? From the past to present . Times have changed

FT: Right

PM: When is it expected to release?

FT: Hmm... No dates just yet. Once it gets ready to be packaged I'ma ship it around.
Its a joint project between me and the producer Dope Pope aka Tom Cruz from Atlanta's SUPREEME. We are going try to put it out through the best avenue possible.
If all goes I'd expect it to drop early next year.

PM: Jus keep putting out music worth listening to, because that's what you’ve done.
It has been over a year since you released a collection of work, have you changed/grown over this period?

FT: Absolutely. I’ve grown up as a man and I feel differently about how I make the music, how I approach the creative process. Everything's become more natural. I'm daring even more to be myself going with what comes first and fine tuning it all to be the best.

PM: As you've "grown up as a man," how has does your writing process operate.

FT: Different focus. Not trying to stretch myself out with syllables and fast rapping all the time. Slowing it down and taking out the unnecessary. Putting out messages that are a little simpler while still staying clever and wreckin rhyme wise.

"Not trying to stretch myself out with syllables and fast rapping all the time."
-Fat Tony

PM: As the saying goes quality not quantity. That's a standpoint many rappers need to under understand. Yes, your beat if tight but what about your rhymes. So that's good.

FT: Yeah man many rappers get caught up with this rhymin’ shit, trying to sound like rocket scientists. Keep it creative and relatable.

PM: Exactly.
Do you have performances coming up

FT: Always. August 8th I'm playing Free Press Houston's Summerfest here in the H. Playing the main stage with Broken Social Scene, Explosions in the Sky, Of Montreal, Prince Paul, Devin the Dude, tight local bands, and a bunch more. This weekend I'm playing the Houston Press Music Awards showcase. I won last year for "Best Underground Hip Hop" in the city and I'm nominated again this year.

FT: Tryna get my Kobe on.

PM: I see you. I see you

[laughing]

PM: Where can the readers and listeners reach you online?

FT: twitter.com/fattonyrap & fattonyrap.com

DOWNLOAD FAT TONY MUSIC HERE

PHRESH JAMES REVIEW

2009-07-20T15:31:00.018-04:00

Phresh James
Sophomore Status

Have you ever listened to an artist' album and it was on shuffle mode on accident and then the cd just didn't flow and the vibe just wasn't right, well 'Sophomore Status' is not one of those. From start to finish no matter how u play it, start at the outro and work your way to intro, it's a definite treat.

Miami rapper, Kaleem, has upgraded his thought process and his sound with his second mixtape release, dropping 20-tracks for the listeners. With only a few tracks that short-winded, Kaleem brings clever verbage and ideas to each song presenting a full track. After a brief hiatus from the scene, he shows us what a break can do to and all the growth that can transpire. With familiar background beats such as, Ryan Leslie's Addiction, Rick Ross' Maybach, and Erykah Badu's Bag Lady [which he drops sickening freestly on] reminds us of the old and is greatly 'duo-ed' with the new. Kaleem told us that he wanted to put more tracks on this one, but surely what ever he's got in the making for his next project will continue to exceed the last.

Some might know Kaleem as Phresh James. The change in the name simply paralleled with his rap game. One word: growth. Phresh Mentality supports Kaleem!

Favorite tracks include:
Back to the Basics
Grinding More Gradually
Im'a Letcha Know

Download Mixtape NOW! | SUPPORTED BY PHRESH MENTALITY BLOGAZINE

Sex Sells

2009-07-20T11:48:00.027-04:00

TEXT:Monroe London
IMAGE:Phresh Mentality

SEX

the three letter word that either is addicting or repulsing
a topic that catches the eye quicker than most
but when it comes to the industry the question is, Does it sell?

More than a word, more than an act of romance or lust
its an i m a g e.

an image that can sit on a shelf and collect dust
and still get attention.
The fascination with the human body and the fantasies that follow
Is a weakness that many will play on to get the success they desire.
But is it pornography we’re after?
A porno so disguised by a loud beat and a cute costume
We forget that it was originally about the music

Woman // men
Sexploitation // exploitation
Make that money // break that money
Vixen // Faux Icon

sex
“girl gimme that p*ssy”
We don’t mind grooving to in the club
Proudly blasting on our radios as we cruise down Peachtree St.
Lyrics that are obsessed with one thing.
But is that wrong?

A generation where its all about being upfront
The more vulgar, the better
Its almost a requirement these days in order to receive an ounce of radio play
That there is some mention of of what you want to do in the bedroom
[kitchen, floor, car, whatever venue of choice might be]
Breeding listeners that are no longer receptive of music
In its rawest state.
art

So we ask what is N E C E S S A RY
for a listener to even purchase an album anymore?
Records sells across the board are at an all-time low
For the majority of mainstream artist in the industry today
this is a Problem [with a capital P]

in the late 90s and towards the beginning of the millennium
if your single/album went Gold within the first week
it was no big deal.
a borderline joke.
A “thank you for your time,
but you just aren’t what we’re looking for” type of moment.
And here we are a decade later and you are big timing if you even come close to gold.
Going Platinum
The heavens are opening, the world’s celebrating
Because that just doesn’t happen. [Figuratively of course]

So we ask again, what is N E C E S S A R Y
Its simple. What ever one lacks in talent is made up through rubbing sexuality in our faces. But not in a sensual sort of way, but force fed. Artist are emerging from the ever expanding indie community, and storming the country.
The tactic // the hustle
The grind // the entrepreneur
While building bonds amongst one another
The support that is necessary to survive.
No sleeping their way to the top.
Its working their way there.

Do You Know Him: CHRIS BARZ

2009-07-16T15:02:00.003-04:00

Whipped Kitty Vintage

2009-07-16T14:51:00.019-04:00

Whipped Kitty Vintage was created by two innovative women, Loany G., & Sade T, who both figured that there was much more to life than just working a 9-5. From Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina, Loany and Sade have developed a team that is critical to the many facets of a good shot. As they create stories with a still image, while matching the scenery with the proper styling, Whipped Kitty Vintage brings an exciting addition to photography and fashion.

Sade T states that, "Its just not in me, I cannot see myself going to work every day and not enjoying my job." Loany G further concluded, "I rather work for a passion than work for someone."

WKV was made for a clientel who appreciate the history of fashion with a desire to be one of a kind. WKV personally travel to hand pick vintage apparel and vintage accessories as well as construct vintage inspired clothing and design. We have fashions ranging from the 1920's- 1980's and most recently added to the vintage category, the early 1990's. Along with vintage buying and inspired designing, WKV style and photograph our items on various models to further give you different ways to modernize the vintage pieces we offer. Their T-shirt line is to drop late Fall 2009, so stay tuned and get ready to GET WHIPPED! "Meow!"

VISIT WHIPPED KITTY VINTAGE ON MYSPACE.

I Can Sing it Acapella

2009-07-14T19:17:00.017-04:00

TEXT: Monroe London

A little over a decade ago, artist/group of all backgrounds were itching to debut themselves on to the scene, making sure to hit up MTV, 'Showtime at the Apollo', or Star Search. It was simple. SING. No where to hide. Musicians placed into a situation where they were forced to be one hundred percent transparent, in front of an audience that didn't know you from Adam and were itching to "BOOOO" you off the stage upon the first instance of fear. God forbid you were off-key for a milli second, that was your death card.

Granted times change and the sound of popular music changes with it, but when did singing from the vocal chords become passe and replaced with the vocoder. What was a clever sound and was used every now-and-then to reference that old school 'Computer Love' feeling. Giving us that classic throw back vibe. Is this becoming our modern rendition of 80s-esque technotron, robotic pop locking sounds.

Is it too much to ask for a girl group with 5 women to be able to sing in harmony and not unison on every track? Let alone expect for people to by music that has 5-star studio quality but the instant its the stage and goes LIVE-- we're reaching for the mute button; watching in silence.

So PM explores the world of acapella music. Two words: complete exposure. Every note, breathe, and pause are heard. At the University of Maryland, The Generics, an all-male acapella singing group arrange many selections both and original and of popular music. With theatrics that match the level of musicality, even without a thumping beat you're still nodding your head and steadily watching and listening.

OBAMA Losing Support

2009-07-14T18:57:00.043-04:00

CONSPIRACY + REPUBLICAN FIASCO + US BIRTH CERTIFICATION

In what appears to be and ongoing issue that just won't die: President Barack Obama's Citizenship as an American. For months now, raging and bitter Radical Republicans have been declaring that President Obama was not born in the United States. The controversy lies on the terms that there has been no "proof" of a birth certificate stating the location and hospital of his birth.

Ignorance and foolishness

A representative from the Obama Adminstration pulled up a copy of his Birth Certification on CNN, for further declaration to appease such radicals, but still the ignorant rants and rallies continue. Above is clip of the issue in an attempt to put a close to this mockery all together.

What is it that seemingly makes a man so "unqualified" for a job? Press conferences grilling him on every subject matter, even the irrelevant issues, and yet previous Presidents could be completely oblivious to issues that went on right here on our home front and it was no big deal. As cliche as it sounds, would this same scandal and controversy have taken place if 44th President of the United States of America were Caucasion?

"Don't you have to be careful...". Yep. Otherwise the truth might come out, so keep up the political propaganda so that the country remains in the dark as to whether or not Obama is actually qualified to sit in the oval office.
---
It is not a total disregard of protocol. He is not an employee of yours nor is he one of mine. The Federal Government, in principle, works for us as a whole, but not for us individually. You have no more right to see his paper history than I do. There are proper channels that the verification has gone through and it has seen fit that he is eligible to be President. The rest is just your opinion and that means little.
---
That's a "Certification" of Live Birth, which isn' an original. An original is a "Certificate" of Live Birth. Huge difference. So Mr. Journalist you do some investigation!
Plus, anyways, anyone can wave a piece of paper on a TV screen and imply it's the real deal. Doesn't make it fact. I could wave a fake $10,000 bill on TV and say it's real. Doesn't mean it is.
And being born in America isn't the only requirement to be a natural born Citizen. You have to have American parents-mom and dad!
---
The problem is that there are two types of certificates in the year he was born in Hawaii. Live birth and Birth certificate. He has shown a copy showing only that he was born and the birth was recorded in Hawaii. It does not show *where* he was born, only where it was recorded. But the media can't even get that right. Yet they act as if someone else is stupid. Was that the best investigative reporting they can do??
PATHETIC!
---
THis CNN guy is really stupid - or at least he is pretending to be. It really annoys me that the media talks down to minorites like this - I mean, he held it up and we are supposed to believe that is it? Does he think he is dealing with 3rd graders? If the media would stop encouring people to be lemmings and DO THEIR JOB - to be our eyes and our ears - things would be so different

PM Train

2009-07-14T17:42:00.011-04:00

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP

"SH*T?!"

I rolled over and the clock read 10:45. What was wrong with this picture? I was still in the bed. Moments like these had to be on the top ten list of events entitled 'Things that ruin your day in .00862 seconds.' By this time I was suppose to be on the train, one hour away from Atlanta, GA. --negative. Scuffling across the hardwood floor still cold from the night before, I was quickly thinking of a Plan B; especially since the next train wasn't leaving for another 24 hrs. Something told me to take an earlier trip, but whoever listens to that voice of reason when it comes to vacation, rest and relaxation. Well, obviously, not I...

Channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw, journalist from the tv series 'Sex & the City', I decided to just go with flow, after all it could only get better, [i hoped]. Nestled up to my laptop, Corrine Bailey Rae and Chrisette Michelle on shuffle in the background, I had time to finish up another article. The 'PM Train'.

One ticket please, and I'd prefer an aisle seat. I have long legs. Thanks--

Of course with my luck, I'd would be seated next to the overzealous senior citizen that thinks im his homeboy, and begins to talk with about all his life issues as if were downtown at some back alley bar drinking are problems away. So you simply smile and nod, until we both get the picture, we're just ready to be home.

Looking out the window, if you're not smoking, texting your life away, you're listening to music these days. The beauty of solidarity, especially with the comfort it provides. Twenty year old Atlantan, though neither born or raised there, I have realized that people are truly a product of their environment. All these ingredients mixed together to make the hundreds of music genres.
"Excuse me sir, I think you missed your train...,"PHRESHMentality: 2009 is halfway complete, can we expect a follow album or EP to come soon since your last release 'Oh Jazzy' in 2OO6?
Jazzy: There will most likely be no album..possibly a mixtape, within the next couple of months. But I'm working towards trying to get a major situation. I love what I've done independently, but I'm looking towards a label right now.
PM: After being an independent for some time, what have been some of the many lessons you've learned about the industry?
Jazzy: In all actuality I've had really good people in my corner, so I haven't had any bad experiences-- I'm thankful for that. I've learned the work it takes, because doing an album took alot, we ended up putting together a really good body of work, but I understand the work it takes to do something like that, all the press that I've gotten has been done by me and a few other people. I've been blessed to come across good people who are a fan of what I'm doing and willing to help.
PM: And good ppl are a vital part of the underground community. The different marketing style.
Jazzy: Yes very vital
PM: How would describe marketing yourself as an independent artist? I first heard about you in the latter part of 2OO7 from a friend, Deaan Pridgeon,who did a youtube cover on your song A.W.O.L.; instantly I was hooked.
Jazzy: Well since the internet is such a BIG part of everything these days, I utilized everything, myspace, facebook, twitter, youtube, all of that. Myspace was thee best outlet its actually what led me to my publishing situation all the people i know musically. Myspace is the best.
PM: Kudos to Tom. Still don't know why I didn't think of it.haha
Jazzy: Yes, now theres tons of outlets. Man how did he come up with that?!

PM: As a female artist in 2009, it honestly requires so much. What are some of the things you are trying to improve on as an artist and a performer?
Jazzy: Well as a female artist in 2009, it seems that singing doesn't have to be at the forefront, you can do everything but sing and make it. So Im trying to make sure that Im giving my audience a show, I love Beyonce, and I love how she brings it every single time you are never disappointed. I want to be just like that I want my fans to be equally impressed with my shows as they are with my music.
PM: With your track 'Remote Control Me,' (which is hittin hard everywhere) how do you handle the talk of how your sound might resemble that of artist such as Rihanna or Keri Hilson?
Jazzy: I found it actually flattering that they would make the comparison, BUT loved the fact that some of my fans went and on some of the youtube pages made comments because they knew it was me before I even addressed it. I loved that, it made me think like wow they recognize my voice woooooow!

"Well since the internet is such a BIG part of everything these days, I utilized everything, myspace, facebook, twitter, youtube, all of that."
-Jazzy

PM: Since you released 'Oh Jazzy,' how much have you changed/grown?
Jazzy: Ive changed sooooo much. I've learned what i like, I've established a voice as far as what i like and dislike, I've learned my voice, as far as vocally what I can do. I remember when I first came in I was stuck on doing rnb..because that was what I grew up on, i remember the Lauryn Hill, SWV, En Vogue, Anita Baker and so on and so forth and because of that I was like im not doing anything BUT rnb...now I love electronic music, techno, alternative is my favorite, and I want to mix some of that in with RnB. Im so proud of the growth though its good to see.
PM: You've got me really excited to hear what your going to drop on the market for us. Definitely can hear you over those techno beats.
PM: Even though this track is off your first EP, I must say the 'Body' was a great song.

Jazzy: (chuckles) 'Body' was my very first song...my veeery first song. Its my baby
PM: Nice.
Jazzy: Make up and Remote control Me are my favs though
PM: Yes. Those are on the favs list.
Jazzy: Yayyyy
PM: What artist would would want to collaborate with.on a mainstream or indie level?
Jazzy: Oooooh I LOVE this question..I would love to work with Lil Wayne, Solange, The Roots, Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, now as far as indie artist there's a few: BJ The chicago Kid(www.listentobj.com) Jdoe(www.myspace.com/YeahJdoe) and Jaiden , I don't know his myspace or else I'd plug him too.
PM: Nice. These would be some interesting combos.
Jazzy: I would love to make music with them.
PM: Where did the idea for 'Remote Control Me' come from?
Jazzy: 'Control Me' was track inspired..its sounded like a conceptual song..the other writer Donnell Shawn actually came up with the concept..and then the words just flowed..Oooh I love that song!
PM: Where do you see your career in 5yrs.
Jazzy: In 5 yrs, I see myself working on a tour for my 3rd album in general, but the 2nd album with whatever label Im with. Married, no children BUT most definitely this husband Ok! lol, I see myself working with all plus more of those artists that I listed above, and all in all blessed, because I would be living my dream, and I would be forever thankful to God.
PM: Amen!
PM: So can you elaborate on 'The Write Chix'
Jazzy: The Write Chix are me and my writing partner Bobbie Cherie. We've been writing together since '05. She's an amazing talent, dope writer, and vocal producer. She is who gets me sounding the way I do.
PM: Your right hand woman, for lack of better words. Do you write for other artist?
Jazzy: Yes we are awesome for one another. I have written other songs geared for other artist havent placed anything yet.
PM: Are there any important events or projects you have coming up this year?
Jazzy: I have a shows coming up this summer that I will keep everyone posted with, as of now thats it at the moment.
myspace www.myspace.com/JazzJeff
youtube www.youtube.com/ThatrnbChick
www.Twitter.com/OhJazzy
Jazzy: I update those a lot.
PM: G r e a t. Without further ado, do you have any lasting words for your listeners new and old.
Jazzy: I just want to thank them, for being amazing supporters of OhJazzy I didnt even fathom anything like this, and because of them I keep on making more music, and thinking of ways to get more and more exposure make them happy. That's really all I do this for, them and the fact that MUSIC is my life.
PM: We definitely wish you all of that success and more. Definitely will be supporting you along the way.
Jazzy: Thank you so much, I will be supporting you guys as well, and keeping you updated on this journey.

KW-Fotos

2009-07-14T16:56:00.002-04:00

Do you ever wish you could travel the world, no worries about cost or who's house
you were staying at because it was completely taken care of by some fortune 500
agency? Or maybe you wanted super powers; the ability to jump to any location
within a matter of seconds.

Photography is such a sacred art, that allows us to see things we never would have
saw for whatever reasons. Although physically you are distant, mentally you can
completely be in that picture.

Keondric Williams, free lance photographer, is one of my favorites. Capturing images
from places all over the globe, from different angles and approaches, his style of
shooting is quite refreshing.

You can find more of his work at kw-fotos.blogspot.com

O'Day Collection

2009-07-14T16:39:00.001-04:00

Vince O'Day, a young ATLien, showcases a snippet of his artwork.
With a technique that you just might call his signature-- ink pen drawings.
Who needs a pencil?! He doesn't make mistakes. With a unique eye
for mixing reality with a comical edge, O'Day brings to life his
inner creativity. Growing up in a household where Picasso's pen
was seemingly passed around and the gift of drawing was so natural,
O'Day showcases some of his work for Phresh Mentality.